kneeler
UK[ˈniːlə(r)]US[ˈniːlər]
n
a person who kneels, especially in prayer.
n
a cushion, bench, or other object used to kneel on.
Morpheme Breakdown
kneel
er
kneel
to kneel
er
Etymology
the word 'kneeler' is a transparent english compound formed from the verb 'kneel' and the agent suffix '-er'. the verb 'kneel' itself originates from the old english 'cnēowlian', a derivative of 'cnēow', meaning 'knee', which can be traced back to the proto-germanic 'knewa-' and ultimately to the proto-indo-european root 'ǵónu', meaning 'knee'. the suffix '-er' is one of the most productive in english for forming agent nouns. thus, the literal construction 'one who kneels' logically gives rise to its modern meanings, referring either to a person who kneels or to an object designed for that action.
Analysis
Structure: kneel + er
kneel (from middle english 'knele', from old english 'cnēowlian', meaning 'to kneel') + er (from old english '-ere', an agent noun suffix indicating 'a person or thing that does something').
Examples
the devout kneelers prayed silently in the chapel.
she placed a padded kneeler on the floor before starting to garden.
the carpenter used a kneeler to protect his knees while installing the flooring.